First Responder Training – Disability Awareness
As the population of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities increases and more individuals become active members in the community, the need to ensure accurate and appropriate responses is critical. This hands-on training will both sensitize and educate first responders on how to effectively identify, address, and respond to various disabilities they encounter in the line of duty. Engaging videos, interactive resources, federal guidelines, and promising practices will be used to highlight the course content.
Training Courses
Monday, June 24
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• Law Enforcement & SRO’s
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
• Fire Fighter/EMS
Allegheny County Police & Fire Training Academy
700 West Ridge Drive
Allison Park, PA 15101
Tuesday, June 25
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• Fire Fighters/EMS
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
• Law Enforcement & SRO’s
Allegheny County Police & Fire Training Academy
700 West Ridge Drive
Allison Park, PA 15101
Wednesday, June 26
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• 9-1-1 Operators
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
• Law Enforcement & SRO’s
Allegheny County Dept of Emergency Services/9-1-1 Center
150 Hookstown Grade Road
Coraopolis, PA 15108
Cost: Free – Registration Required
Questions: Contact Cary Newman at carynewman@niagara.edu (716) 286-7355
For more information visit Niagara University Disability Awareness Training
Course Content
· Disabilities defined specific to first responders
· Victimization/abuse and the disabled
· Service provision and supports and how to develop collaborative relationships
· Challenging behaviors and responsiveness
· Municipality role and responsibility
· Progressive approaches to addressing challenging situations
· Proper etiquette and interactions skills
· Co-occurring & tertiary disabilities
· Alternative forms of communication
(i.e. Speech-Generating devices, ASL)
· Durable medical equipment, assistive technology
· Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specific to law enforcement
· Myths and misperceptions
· Incident review, identifying appropriate response
· Community resources and networks
· Current trends and topics
